Woodsman trio hatchet recommendation

fast14riot

fast14riot

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
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So I would like to put together a woodsman trio for my father, but don't want to use a double bit hatchet. I know he likes a hatchet around 1# to maybe 1.5# and a 13-15 inch handle. I have the folder and fixed blade covered, but would like to find a nice vintage hatchet to include. It will likely see more splitting and delimbing duty than anything else, also pounding tent spikes. I have found a few BSA hatchets locally, but they want a premium for them (50$ and up!)

Any suggestions on what might be best for something like this? So I know what brand I am looking for online. In person I have a fairly good grasp of required geometry for quality American pattern axes/hatchets, but eBay and the like often don't have ideal pictures to tell what condition it is in. Haft is not required, I can handle that.


-Xander
 
I'd look for a vintage claw hatchet. Besides the hatchet you get a hardened hammer face and a nail puller. I like to use a few nails around camp for hanging things on tree trunks or for securing tarp lines, etc. Having a hammer, claw and hatchet in one tool is most versatile. Right now I'm filling that niche with a Tommy Axe but the Tommy doesn't have as much leverage at the claw as a claw hatchet would. I'm planning to upgrade once the claw hatchet gets to the top of my to-do pile.
 
You know, thinking back, I honestly can't recall ever pounding nails into trees and posts when camping with my father. Nowadays he is either in the camper with my mother, or just minimalist camping when hunting. Kind of either end of the spectrum. Good recommendation, none the less. I might consider that for myself.


-Xander
 
All the BSA hatchets I see around here are by Plumb. But I'd suggest scouring the garage and estate sales rather than the bay, and buying whatever looks good to you.
Oh, and what did you get him for knives, if you don't mind my asking?
 
Yes it would be nice to get a complimentary set, a fiskars would look ugly next to a case and a sharpfinger, but not bad matched with a mora and a SAK.
Just saw you mentioned vintage, that narrows it down somewhat, what is your price point? EBay is your best bet for vintage stuff, unless you get lucky at a yard sale.
One recommendation that may not be so popular is the Estwing sportsmans hatchet, timeless design, very tough, and though it gets some flack for it's thick edge I think would do a good job for the tasks you describe. I guess there is even a smaller version called the 14a, harder to find though.
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I don't find very many axes/hatchets around here, this is a major ag region, mediterranian weather an not much use for an axe by the average person. I will keep an eye out.

The knives are going to be made by me.


-Xander
 
Liam, thanx for the suggestion. I think an Estwing might be a good choice. Price point should be reasonable, 20-30 for a vintage head only and maybe more for a decently hafted example. I just don't have the coin for a GB.

-Xander
 
fast14riot said:
Haft is not required, I can handle that.

-Xander
Click to expand...

I like that. Very punny.

I'm not a fan of double bit hatchets, whatsoever. So, IMO, you're already on the right track. If you're shopping ebay just try to find something in good shape with a good bloodline, and you should end up with something good. If you have questions about a certain piece on ebay, feel free to PM me or another axenut on here. Just remember that you can't link to a live auction on the forum boards.

Good luck!
 
There's an article, or blog maybe, about the Norther Tools 24oz hatchet, it's $9.99 on their website. It's 14" long, as it comes, but if you put an 18" or 20" handle on it, you end up with a "Small Forest Axe" for the poor man. More than one person has given this little hatchet head a good review. As it comes, it's too heavy for that short of a handle, but add 4"-6" and you have a nice tool. Thin down the edge and you get a much better tool.
Maybe you want to keep it shorter, well, I'd stay away from the Northern, and stick with the 1# weight.
 
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